13/06/2025
👁️ Pinguecula & Inflamed Pinguecula – What You Need to Know
Your Eye Health Nurse Explains
Have you ever noticed a small, yellowish bump on the white of your eye? It might be a pinguecula – a common and usually harmless condition. But when it becomes red and irritated, it’s called pingueculitis.
Let’s break it down:
⸻
🔶 What is a Pinguecula?
A pinguecula is a yellowish, slightly raised spot that appears on the white part of the eye (sclera), usually near the inner or outer corner. It’s made up of protein, fat, or calcium deposits and is often caused by sun exposure, wind, dust, or dryness.
🟡 Key Signs of a Pinguecula:
• Yellow or creamy spot on the white of the eye
• Feels like something is in your eye (foreign body sensation)
• Slight irritation or dryness
• Usually painless and non-cancerous
⸻
🔴 What is an Inflamed Pinguecula (Pingueculitis)?
Sometimes, a pinguecula can become red, swollen, and irritated. This is called pingueculitis.
It often happens due to:
• Exposure to sunlight or wind
• Rubbing the eyes
• Dry environments
• Contact lens use
🔥 Symptoms of Pingueculitis:
• Redness around the pinguecula
• Eye irritation or a burning sensation
• Feeling of grittiness or dryness
• Mild pain or discomfort
• Sometimes watery eyes
⸻
💊 How is it Treated?
✅ For Mild Pinguecula:
• Lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) to reduce dryness and irritation
• UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun
• Avoid rubbing your eyes
✅ For Inflamed Pinguecula (Pingueculitis):
• Special eye drops (prescribed by an eye specialist )
• Cold compresses for comfort
• Resting your eyes and avoiding harsh environments
• Consult an eye care professional if redness persists
⸻
🕶️ Prevention Tips:
• Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection
• Stay away from dusty, windy, or dry conditions when possible
• Use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry or irritated
• Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially if you have a visible bump
⸻
👩⚕️ As your online eye health nurse, I’m here to help you understand and care for your eyes. A pinguecula isn’t usually serious, but if it becomes inflamed, early care can prevent discomfort and complications.
💬 Have questions about eye redness, dryness, or strange bumps on your eyes? Feel free to comment
Video credit: